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Endangered Species of New South Wales
Regent Honeyeater Fact File
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Scientific Name::Xanthomyza phrygia
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Threats of Extinction: r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S
Extinct?
The main threat for the honeyeaters is the loss of their woodland habitat. This threat affects many other woodland plant and animal species. Since European settlement the unique box-ironbark woodlands have been cleared for reasons such as gold-mining, room for industrial and residential development and for agricultural purposes such as farming. Today only 17% of Australia’s original boxironbark vegetation remains untouched.
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The regent honeyeater is known for its striking black, white and yellow appearance and was once found in abundance in regions throughout Victoria and New South Wales. It is now restricted to ironbark forest habitats which have become threatened communities. This species was once commonly found living in Queensland and South Australia, however it no longer exists in these areas due to loss of habitat. It is estimated that there are as few as 800 to 2000 birds left in existence and it is listed as nationally endangered.
Teac he r
Least concern
Decreasing population
Habitat:
Honey Diet:
Current populations exist mainly in dry box-ironbark forests and woodland areas inland of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales. The birds like to live near wet and fertile soils usually along river beds and valleys. They pollinate species such as mulga ironbark, white box and Blakely’s red gum trees. The honeyeater relies on these plant species for food and shelter.
©Margaret Harris www.barraba.org
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Mainly eats plant nectar from eucalypt species. This honeyeater plays an important role in the reproduction of many flowering plants, acting as a pollinator by carrying pollen from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another flowering plant.
Did You Know?
Conservation Efforts:
Firewood collection is threatening the future of the regent honeyeater!
The main focus at the moment is to preserve the habitats of the regent honeyeater. Box-ironbark woodlands are a threatened ecosystem and are also home to many other animal and plant species, several of which are becoming endangered. Conservation programs have been set up to protect and restore the natural habitats.
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Many people think they are helping out the environment when they collect firewood from the bush. Instead, they are often doing more harm than good. The dead trees and fallen timber that many people remove from forests and bush regions actually play an important part in the survival of the forest ecosystem as many fungus species live on the dead wood. The fungi are a food source for many small woodland species and at least 20 bird species can be affected by the reduced amounts of these fungi.
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There are also organisations, such as the Wilderness Society, who work to promote awareness of the honeyeaters uncertain future. You can learn about what the Wilderness Society does by visiting this website: www.wilderness.org.au/campaigns/forests/ general/threatened/ - Threatened Species Want more about the regent honeyeater? www.birdsaustralia.com.au/birds/regent.html Ready-Ed Publications